Now that I have an HTPC running on Plex on my mini, I'm wondering how others control it with a remote device. First of all, I assume that the white remote that came with my 2009 mini won't work with Plex and even if it does, there is no way to type in letters (like on Apple TV) if you want to search for something because there is no on-screen keyboard. Correct?

I know that you can do it with software running from an IOS device, and I have both an iPad 2 and an iPhone 4. I found a free App called Remote Keyboard+ that allows you to move the cursor around and type. It works, but I noted some other apps that cost from $1-5, and might be more responsive or functional. What do you recommend for remote control of your mini HTPC?_________________Mini 1 (2012): 2.3 ghz Core i7; 10gb RAM, Corsair 240gb SSD, 500gb Seagate XT
Mini 2 (2009): 2.26 ghz Core 2 duo, 8gb RAM, 500gb SSD running Ubuntu
Also a 13" MacBook Air, 21.5" i5 iMac & 11.6" Acer 1810TZ running Ubuntu, openSUSE & Crunchbang

I use the white & aluminium Apple Remotes ok with Plex, and its also worth having a look at the Plex App on the iPhone / iPad. This can play on the iOs device and also can be switched to act as a remote control._________________Phil

I looked at Plex for IOS, and another more generic one called Rowmote. Both got good ratings and I ended up trying Rowmote. It's pretty versatile and worked much better than any of the free apps I tried. Both cost $5. I may try Plex as well to see whether its specificity has some advantages, since I am mostly using Plex. As far as the white remote goes, I have two of them and they're both several years old. I couldn't get them to work, but maybe the battery has gone bad. I'll try replacing it. I also have an Apple TV remote, and I could get this to twin with the mini either.

I may try Plex as well to see whether its specificity has some advantages, since I am mostly using Plex.

Plex for iOS also acts as a player for your Plex Server Library. I often watch a film or TV Show on my iPad or iPhone whilst having a bath, sitting in the garden or even washing the pots

I also like the fact that it integrates with Plex server so it remembers what you've watched and also where your up to on any media. So when you've finished what your doing and no longer want to watch on the iPhone you can quickly stop it playing and then restart at the same point on the Mac or in your TV room _________________Phil

I saw some threads about the Harmony One. I'm curious about it ez, what's so special about it for running Plex?

Harmony One (after a one-time setup via the web) will control all your devices, turning them on and off (and allowing access to other controls such as receiver settings) with one device. No need for multiple remotes. This alone is worth the price of admission to me.

It is also compatible with Plex, and you can custom program keys to do whatever you want.